New law in September 2014 gives Medicine Prescribing Powers to Physiotherapists in United Kingdom (Wales) after Special Training

New law in September 2014 gives Medicine Prescribing Powers to Physiotherapists in United Kingdom (Wales) after Special Training:

Physiotherapists (Subject to Special Training) are being given the power to prescribe medicines under new laws which came into force on September 24 , 2014.

The new rules bring Wales into line with England, where the right to prescribe for physiotherapists was set in August 2013, and Scotland in May 2014. The new Welsh Government legislation is part of efforts to improve the patient experience and free up time for General Practitioners (GPs).

"Independent prescribing puts physiotherapists in a unique position to meet these needs and support people to be more independent, have better control of their symptoms and ultimately have a better quality of life."

It means fewer patients will have to go back to their GPs for prescriptions.

Wales Health Minister Mark Drakeford said patients would get "a faster, more effective service with quicker access to the medications they need".

UK Health Minister Norman Lamb hailed it as a "huge milestone in the long battle for recognition of physiotherapists' skills".

A spokesperson for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy said: "We are pleased to report that physiotherapists in England and Scotland are making the most of the opportunity they now have to enhance patient care as independent prescribers.

"We have noticed that the new powers have made a particularly strong impact in both neurological rehabilitation and in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, such as back and neck pain."

"Many people with long term conditions require a combination of medicines and physical management to best meet their needs," said Mr Morris.

The change, which also applies to chiropodists and podiatrists, is also aimed at easing pressure on other parts of the NHS.

Nurses, pharmacists and optometrists can already prescribe medicines, with powers now extended to additional groups of health professionals - subject to training.

Gary Morris, a physiotherapist in Carmarthen, has already had the training and is registered to prescribe medicines to his patients from Wednesday.

Physiotherapists, chiropodists and podiatrists in Wales now have new powers to prescribe medicines to their patients, it has been announced.

New Welsh Government laws come into force today which will allow this group of health professionals, who have successfully completed additional training, to prescribe anti-inflammatory agents and painkillers without referring patients back to a GP if medication is needed.

The aim is to provide quicker access for patients to the necessary drugs needed to treat their condition, as well as ease the burden on consultants and GPs.

Currently nurses, pharmacists and optometrists are among those who can prescribe medicines and other items, such as dressings and appliances, from the Drug Tariff.

Lecturer Gary Morris, who works at Cardiff University’s School of Healthcare Sciences, is now registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an independent prescriber following the new legislation by the Welsh Government.

He has become the first practicing physiotherapist in Wales to be given the green light to prescribe medicines to patients without the need for a doctor’s countersignature.

Mr Morris, who is also an advanced physiotherapy practitioner in neurological rehabilitation for Hywel Dda University Health Board, completed his independent prescribing conversion training in June this year.

He believes the new legislation provides a more integrated approach to treatment for patients - many of whom have previously made long trips to hospitals.

He said: “Many people with long-term conditions require a combination of medicines and physical management to best meet their needs.

“For example, botox injections and antispasmodic medication combined with physiotherapy for spasms resulting from neurological conditions, or analgesia and exercise in chronic pain.

“Independent prescribing puts physiotherapists in a unique position to meet these needs and support people to be more independent, have better control of their symptoms and ultimately have a better quality of life.”

Physiotherapists and podiatrists across the UK will be the first in the world to be able to practice in this way, which hopes to reduce referrals to GP services and free up consultant capacity, saving time and money.

The right to prescribe was legalised for physiotherapists practising in England in September 2013 and was hailed by the then Health Minister, Norman Lamb, as a “huge milestone in the long battle for recognition of physiotherapists’ skills”.

Physiotherapists in Wales can apply for funding for independent prescribing training from the Workforce, Education and Development Service, which works on behalf of NHS Wales, the Welsh Government and education providers.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford said: “These new regulations mark a significant change in the way the Welsh NHS works. It will mean the better use of highly-trained health professionals so patients benefit from a faster, more effective service with quicker access to the medications they need.

“This recognises the qualifications and experience of physiotherapists, chiropodists and podiatrists and puts them in an even better position to treat their patients in a more effective way.

“Crucially, it will also help alleviate pressure on other parts of the health service.”

Pip Ford, Public Affairs and Policy Manager for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in Wales, said: “This is excellent news for physiotherapists and their patients.

“It means physiotherapists that train to become independent prescribers can use it as part of their treatment and management programme in partnership with their patients.

“This will improve the experience for patients who will not need to go separately to their doctor for them to prescribe medication used in conjunction with physiotherapy.

“We already have physiotherapists ready and waiting to use their new skills and I look forward to following their progress.”

A spinal tumour left Kayleigh Davies, from Carmarthen, in a wheelchair forcing her to put her degree in social work on hold.

After an operation to remove the tumour, the 27-year-old continues to receive physiotherapy treatment as an outpatient.

Speaking of her treatment, she said: “While I was having physiotherapy I developed spasms in one of my legs which meant I couldn’t progress with my rehab.

“One of the physiotherapists in the team was able to treat this with botox injections to stop the spasms but I had to wait to see a consultant before they could start the treatment.

“After having the treatment I was able to continue my physiotherapy and am now able to walk short distances with crutches and have since been able to return to university.

“With the changes in the law I won’t have to wait to see a consultant if I need the treatment again which is great.

“It’s also great that other people in a similar position to me won’t have to wait to see a doctor if they need this treatment in the future.”

Kayleigh Davies, a 27-year-old patient of Mr Morris, had to put her degree course on hold when a spinal tumour left her in a wheelchair.

She had physiotherapy after an operation to remove the tumour, and said the new rules would ensure quicker treatment when she next needed it.

"While I was having physiotherapy I developed spasms in one of my legs which meant I couldn't progress with my rehab," she said.

"One of the physiotherapists in the team was able to treat this with Botox injections to stop the spasms but I had to wait to see a consultant before they could start the treatment.

"With the changes in the law I won't have to wait to see a consultant if I need the treatment again, which is great."

News Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-29326183
& http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health/new-laws-give-prescribing-powers-7818278

Compiled for Information Purpose by Physiotherapy Jobs Portal www.physiotherapyjobs.co.in